New studies show that seniors are struggling more than ever with multiple medication usage. MedCo Health Solutions and Kelton Research surveyed over a 1,000 people at age 65 and older, and discovered that more than half (51 percent) took at least five different prescription drugs regularly. Even worse, one out of four took between 10 to 19 pills each day!
No one can really answer why this number is so high, but the shocking news doesn’t stop there. The survey also reported that 57 percent of the group (three out of five seniors), forgot to take their medications completely.
Researchers learned that the more medications a senior took, the more likely they they forgot their doses. For example, 63% reported they forgot their doses if they took five or more medications, compared to the 51% who took less pills.
Managing medications is tough for everyone, and it’s especially hard the more pills you take. The Kelton Research report also revealed 34% (more than one-third) of seniors that took 5 or prescriptions, didn’t feel they educated enough on the side effects of their medicine.
Thirty-five percent couldn’t even name all the medications they took. Don’t fall under this category and take control of your health, or your loved one’s health by reading the following tips:
* Eleven Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Medication
* Four Quick Tips for Buying Your Medication Online
* Tips on Becoming an Empowered Patient
* Four Great Places To Research Your Medication
Hopefully managing your medication will be easier after reading these suggestions. Remember, it’s always helpful to set up medication reminders, whether it’s by alarm, text-message, or more, the solutions are out there and we are always here to help.
